. >> reporter: the current budget negotiations between president obama and house speaker john boehner also could mean the reduction of the popular deduction for charitable contributions. >> if it came to the point where i wasn't receiving my credit for helping out a charity or even helping them out in their situation then why would i even help them out? >> statements like that that has the chief eck eastboundtive officer of the united way of the bay area and other nonprofits fighting to retain charitable deductions. >> it would be a big mistake to think this is only a benefit for high income people. there are many donors who itemize their taxes and they take advantage of the charitable tax deduction and they include very middle income people. >> reporter: also on the table is the possible elimination of the mortgage deduction. >> if that were to happen eventually i think that would have to be phased out over a long period of time. >> i think it encourages people to buy houses versus renting. and if they were lower the mortgage rate reduction, people will think twice. >> cpa mark britt